Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Criminal justice and the I/DD community

The Arc has recently launched its National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD). NCCJD is the first national effort of its kind to bring together both victim and suspect/offender issues involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or I/DD) under one roof.

NCCJD will serve as a national clearinghouse for information and training on the topic of people with I/DD as victims, witnesses and suspects or offenders of crime. The Arc will partner with a broad spectrum of criminal justice professionals, including those in the law enforcement, legal and disability fields at the national, state and local levels to create safer lives for people with I/DD who become involved in the criminal justice system.

NCCJD’s goal is to build the capacity of the criminal justice system to respond to gaps in existing services for people with disabilities, focusing on people with I/DD who remain a hidden population within the criminal justice system with little or no access to advocacy supports or services.

NCCJD aspires to become the national focal point for the collection and dissemination of resources and serve as a bridge between justice and I/DD professionals. The NCCJD will pursue and promote safety, fairness and justice for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as suspects, offenders, victims or witnesses.

Advocacy Without Borders

About Us

Our mission is to encourage ALL people to make a difference...regardless of their differences.

Advocacy Without Borders exists because ALL voices matter, & because all people deserve an opportunity to strive for growth & change.

Affirming that "stakeholders," "clients," "self-advocates," etc should be actively engaged in our own movements, we promote social justice via collaborative partnerships (where allies are valued not above, but alongside those for whom they advocate), education & community engagement.

We strive to be an inclusive, cohesive community that welcomes all who support our cause.

Founded in 2014 by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, our initial activities include grassroots community mobilization and awareness activities, social media advocacy, public speaking/presentations, and occasional qualitative research and technical assistance.